'Neighbours' star Ian Smith admits he wanted to quit the show

"I just didn't wake up to it."

Ian Smith, known for his legendary role as Harold Bishop in Neighbours from 1987 to 2015, admits he had a hard time finding other roles due to being typecast.

Speaking with Network Ten's Studio 10, the 79-year-old actor confessed he was "digging a hole" he'd never get out of.

"I just didn't wake up to it," he says.

Ian still remembers walking up to a show producer declaring, "I don't want to do it anymore. After my contract runs out this time I won't be re-signing."

When asked if he would have quit sooner, Smith replied, "I think so, yes."

Since Neighbours, Ian took on minor roles in such series as The Ex-PM and Comedy Showroom: Moonman, where he played himself.